UK Government announces 4 year, billion pound transport plan

The British Government have confirmed plans to invest billions of pounds into the transport sector over the next four years, including into road standards and autonomous and electric vehicles.

The new Industrial Strategy paper includes Theresa May’s ten key pillars to help drive the UK’s economy post-Brexit. This includes £4.7bn to invested in research and development – including in smart and clean technologies, and autonomous cars.

A further £2.6bn will be used for improvements to transport projects focusing on reduced journey times, and £1.1bn on repairing local roads.

Almost £600m has already been invested into low-emission car development in the UK, with electric grid tech already being tested in locations about the country. If this evolves into autonomous vehicles, then 5G infrastructure will need to be improved greatly, which is also included in the plans.

Also announced as part of the strategy is the building of a new Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. It will be charged with a research programme of up to £200m, to be matched for an additional £100m by the industry to develop new testing grounds. Whilst it’s believed the location for the centre has been decided, it will not be announced until later this spring.

There has been no comment on investment for liftsharing or shared travel.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The modern Industrial Strategy will back Britain for the long-term: creating the conditions where successful businesses can emerge and grow, and backing them to invest in the long-term future of our country.”

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “A modern British Industrial Strategy must: build on the UK’s strengths and extend excellence into the future; close the gap between the UK’s most productive companies, industries, places and people and the rest; and ensure we are one of the most competitive places in the world to start and grow a business.”

Do you think this plan covers off sufficient areas of investment for transport, or are there specific areas you’d like to receive funding? Let us know in the comments below.